Page 50 of With You Forever

“I don’t want to have a wedding,” Lacey says, her heart content with her decision. “I just want you. I want to marry you, Seth.”

“Are you sure?” His expression is sad, thoughtful. “You’ve worked so hard. I ain’t takin’ this away from you.”

“So sure. I want to be your wife.” At that, Seth’s handsome face softens. She leans in, their mouths colliding, Seth’s kiss like the best kind of whiskey. Smooth and honeyed.

“Let’s go to the courthouse,” she says, suddenly aching to say their vows. “Tomorrow.”

He chuckles, cups her face. “Nah. We ain’t doin’ that.”

Her eyes widen. “Then what?”

He grins, then kisses her. “I think I got a better idea.”

The next afternoon, the door to Tonk’s swings open. Dusty floorboards rattle with the motion of boots and heels. Luke leads the pack, followed by Sal and the rest of their friends. They stop and stare at the setup.

One long rustic table covered with vases of simple wildflower arrangements. A keg waits to be tapped. Behind the bar, a bartender arranges bottles of champagne. Neon glows bright on the wall. The jukebox pumps out a carefully crafted selection of country tunes.

Everyone looks confused. And they should be.

Last night, after Seth and Lacey got home from the farm, they had put a plan together and then sent out a cryptic text.

No more fear. Only living.

“Hey, y’all look ready to party,” Seth says, leaning against the wall.

Luke, adjusting a babbling Cash in his arms, gives his brother a look. “What’re we doin’ here, Seth?”

Seth throws him a wicked grin. “We’re havin’ a party.”

Sal’s green eyes glint. “What kind of party?”

“The best kind,” a soft voice says.

The room explodes with whistles and cheers as Lacey exits the backroom. Alabama gasps and grabs Sal’s arm.

“Y’all are gettin’ married!” Emmy Lou shrieks, jumping up and down, her golden curls bouncing.

Lacey beams and smooths a hand down the front of the light pink satin slip dress she wears. “May I present dress number one.”

Seth stares. The breath from his lungs, the words from his mouth—gone. His entire universe, his weakness, stands in front of him. He’s never seen Lacey look more beautiful, radiant. Here, in their bar, she just shines.

A round of happy laughter and congratulations makes its way around the group. Griff steps up to clap Seth’s shoulder and Jace shakes his head.

“Sneaky asshole,” Jace says and Seth snorts.

“Goddamn right. Rustled up a preacher and a couple of kegs.” Seth gives Lacey a grin. “And she’s still gotta make the most dramatic entrance known to man.”

Lacey laughs. “This is what I get for letting Seth plan it.” She looks at the group, silver lining her eyes, and everyone instantly sobers. She reaches for Seth’s hand, drawing him into her. “We didn’t want to wait anymore. Life’s short and we’re taking back our wedding day and making it ours. It’s not going to be sad.” She smiles. “Besides. This is more like us anyway. Kinda fancy, kinda country.”

Seth looks at his friends, clears the knot from his throat. “Tonight, it’s our bar. Our damn weddin’.”

“Amen,” Alabama says, her gray eyes misty.

Griff lets out a rebel yell. “Hell yes,” he whoops, the sound booming off the walls.

Sal goes to her sister and embraces her. “I love that, Lacey.”

“Mom and Dad are gonna kill ya,” Luke says, but when his eyes meet Seth’s, his are teary.

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